Fastener Sleeve Biasing for Preload and Easy Disassembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Structural joints with fasteners face challenges in reliable preload maintenance and disassembly, as springs under fastener heads compromise joint integrity and fail to consistently achieve the necessary preload.
Innovation Solution
A biasing system comprising a sleeve around the fastener shank to form a primary load path for preload and a spring to form a secondary parallel load path for disassembly, allowing for easy joint disassembly while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring is placed under the fastener head to assist disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of joint preload is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The load path is segmented into two separate paths: a primary load path through the sleeve for reliable preload, and a secondary load path through the spring for disassembly assistance. This segmentation allows each path to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary component that interfaces between the fastener and the spring, allowing the spring to bias the fastener without directly bearing the full structural load. This mediator enables the spring to assist disassembly while the primary load path maintains preload reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a spring is used to bias fasteners out of engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional components: the sleeve forming the primary load path and the spring forming the secondary load path. This segmentation simplifies the design by clearly separating the preload function from the disassembly assistance function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve serves multiple functions: it forms the primary load path for preload, provides a mounting structure for the spring, and transmits forces between the fastener and spring. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining several roles into a single component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures consistent preload and facilitates easy disassembly of structural joints without compromising their integrity, using a spring to assist in fastener removal while bypassing it from the preload path.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to be associated with the sleeve and operable to form at least a portion of a second load path parallel to the first load path between the fastener and the component to facilitate biasing the fastener away from the component
Data Source
AI summary
A biasing system for use with a fastener is disclosed. The biasing system can include a sleeve configured to be disposed about a shank of a fastener and operable to form at least a portion of a first load path between the fastener and a component coupled to the fastener to preload the fastener through the sleeve. The biasing system can also include a spring configured to be associated with the sleeve and operable to form at least a portion of a second load path parallel to the first load path between the fastener and the component to facilitate biasing the fastener away from the component.